Coin controlled game apparatus



y 4- M. H. SIKES 2,348,267

com CONTROLLED GAME APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 ammo/14M May 9, 1944.

M.'H. slKEs 2,348,267

C'OIN4CIONTROLLED GAME APPARATUS Filed Dec 12, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 9, 1944. s s 2,348,267

COIN CONTROLLED GAME APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 El a/wh May 9, 1944. s Es' 2,348,267

COIN CONTROLLED GAME APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1940 y 5' Sheets-Sheet 4 l 220 I l 257' ,l 1 I I lW" dig. 2.20

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COIN CONTROLLED GAME APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 r75 80 77 75 I i a m m A grwmam' Patented May 9, 1944 UNITED STATE PATENT OFFICE COIN- CONTROLLED GAME APPARATUS Moyce'H. Sikes, Atlanta, Ga.

Application December 12, 1940, Serial No. 369,877

3 Claims.

This invention relates to coin controlled game apparatus and more particularly to-a coin con-- trolled pocket billiard or .pool table or the like.

Th primary object of this invention is the provisionof animproved table of this character so arranged that a rack of balls may be madeavailable to a player or players upon the introduction of a coininto the device, such balls being returned to such a position as tobecomeagain accessible to the players upon the introduction of an additional coin,- as each is'played.

A secondaryobject of this invention isthe provision in such a table, of improved means whereby theballs scored by each player may be retained in separate compartments until a full rack has been played.

A further object is the provisionof means whereby balls contained in such separate compartments are visible to the layers during the course of the play and after completion of the play of a rack.

An additional object is the provision of improved means whereby scratched balls may be returned to the player without the necessity of inserting an additional coin.

A more specific object resides in the provision of improved means to control the number of scratched balls so returnable during the play of a single rack of balls.

Additional objects reside in the provision of such a device of durable, relatively simple construction having a comparative minimum of operating parts,- thus reducing the hazard of operating failure and increasing reliability of operation.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part pointedout hereinafter.

The invention accordingly resides in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts and features of construction all as will be more fully described in the annexed specification and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, whereiii- Figure I is an isometric view of a pool or billiard table embodying one form of this inventi've concept.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 3.

Figure 3- is a top plan View partially in section disclosing a table having the playing surface thereof removed and having certain portions of the interior'mechanisrn constituting a part of this invention partiaiIy cut away.

Figure 4- is an enlarged sectional detail view taken along the line i -=4 of Figure 3.

Figure- 5 is an enlarged sectional detail view taken along theline 5--5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken along the line 66 of Figure 3 Figure 7 is a topplan fragmentary view, partially in section, disclosing a table having the playing surface thereof removed and having certain portions of the interior mechanism partially cut away disclosing a modified form of construction of certain details.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 88 of Figure 7 as viewed from the left.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 99 of Figure 7 as viewed from the bottom.

Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of certain portionsof. the. operating mechanism of a modifled form of construction.

Figure 11. is a. view similar to Figure 10 showing a further modified form of construction, and

Figure 12. is a view similar to Figures 10 and 11 showing a still further modification ofthis inventive concept.

Similar reference characters refer to'similar parts throughout-the several views of the. drawmgs.

Having particular reference now to Figure 1 there is generally indicated at 20 a pool or billiard. table having a playing. top 2|, legs 22, and pockets 23 for the reception of played balls, with which is associated one form of apparatus generally indicated at 24, embodying this inventive concept.

Pockets 23 communicate directly with a space 25 beneath the table top 2 L, the bottom of which space is comprised of two angularl-y disposed surfaces 26 and 21 which incline oppositely towards a central trough or groove 28 running the full width of the table. Thus it will be seen that a ball entering any of pockets 23 falls therethrough box-like receptacle or compartment generally abutting stop member 30 except under circumstances to be hereinafter pointed out.

Receptacle 29 is provided with suitable end walls 33 and 34 and a front wall 35 which may be, if desired, of glass, or comprise an open grill work of glass or other transparent material, likewise with a top wall 36 also of glass, or grill work (see Figures 3, 4 and 5) which extends over only a portion of the top thereof. One edge of glass top wall 36 may be set in a bar 31 of wood or other desired material in order to secure the same in related assembly. A space generally indicated at 36 is thus left between bar 31 and the side of the table. Across this space extends a second bar 39 leaving openings 38a and 38b on either side thereof each of a width slightly less than the diameter of the playing ball. In the operation of the device a played ball abuts stop 36 and remains in abutting relation therewith until it is grasped by the fingers of a player, raised over barrier or guide member 3| or 32 and moved laterally with respect to bar 39, until it reaches a desired spot, whereupon it is released and allowed to roll by gravity over bottom 49 of compartment 29 towards the forward wall 35 thereof. Bar 39 also precludes removal of playing balls from space 38. It may here be pointed out that receptacle or' compartment 29 is divided interiorly by means of partitions 4| (see Figure 3) into four separate receptacles or sub-compartments. Thus, each player, since in the normal use of such a table, not more than four play, may guide those balls which he has scored to one of the sub-compartments as above indicated, and upon releasing the same in the desired position, have the ball fall into his individual compartment.

Thus, upon the conclusion of the play of a rack wardly, thus to preclude passage of balls from chute 28 into compartment 29 in order to prevent an individual from playing an unlimited number of games by the expedient of pushing the coin slot in and holding the same in its inserted position. It is to be understood that any suitable spring mechanism (not shown) returns rod 45 and hence shelf 46a to compartment closing position.

Suitable apparatus is also provided to permit the return of scratched balls, that is, balls inadvertently pocketed and not counting towards a players score. This mechanism comprises an open receptacle or pocket 51 adjacent one end of compartment 29 into which a player may guide a scratched ball and from which the ball may be removed and replaced on the table. Mechanism is also provided, however, to limit the number of scratched balls recovered during the playing of any given rack. One form of such mechanism is disclosed in Figures 3 and 5 wherein there is shown a star wheel 58 rotatably mounted as by means of a pin 59. A peripheral portion of star wheel 58 extends through a slot 59 in the table wall into compartment 29. A guide member 6| is provided adjacent star wheel 58, and in order to pass a ball into return compartment 51, it must be passed between guide members 6| and star wheel 58. Each ball passing therethrough rotates one tooth of star wheel 58 in a clockwise direcof balls, all those played will be in the subcompartments of compartment 29 and available for return to the players in a manner now to be pointed out.

The botto'm of the forward portion of compartment 29 on which the played and sorted balls rest is comprised of a shelf 40a adapted to be moved in a manner to be hereinafter pointed out. by means of extending lever members 42, (see Figures 3 and 4) connected to links 43 as by pivots 44. The opposite ends of links 43 are suitably secured to a transversely extending rod 45 I which extends slightly more than the full width of compartment 29. Thus, it will be seen that as rod 45 is rotated in a manner to be hereinafter described, shelf 43a is withdrawn permitting the balls in compartment 23 to drop into the space 46 i below shelf 46a, (see Figures 4 and 5) and upon striking the inclinedbottom 41 thereof to roll downwardly through an aperture 48 (see Figure 3), into a basket 49 or other suitablereceptacle (see Figure 1).

Adjacent receptacle 29 is a suitable coin receiving mechanism 50, (see Figures 3 and 6)- intion. A pawl 62 pivoted as at 63 precludes counterclockwise rotation of star wheel 58 during the normal course of play. Star wheel 58 is provided peripherally with a plurality of holes into the end one of which may be inserted a pin 64 adapt-- ed at the start of a game to be positioned on the left hand side of a stop member 65. Thus, each time a ball is passed through the scratch mechanism, pin 64 moves in a clockwise direction with star wheel 58 until such time as it abuts the right hand side of stop 65, at which time further rotation of the star wheel is precluded until the pin is returned to its original position by insertion of an additional coin in a manner now to be described. If desired a second pin (not shown) may eluding a plunger member 5|, a coin receiving receptacle 52 and a rearwardly extending projection 53 actuated by the inward pressure of plunger 56. Projection 53 is adapted to engage an arm" 54'rigidly secured to rod 45 andmove the samethrough an angle in this illustrative embodiment of approximately 60, imparting rotative'movement to rod 45 which, in the manner previously pointed out, moves shelf 40a to permit the balls to fall into basket 49. An additional 'arm 55 is also secured to rod and is adapted to extend upwardly through a slot 56 in the bottom of trough 28 when plunger 5| is pushed inbe inserted into an additional hole in the periphery of star wheel 58 and the distance which the same may be rotated limited by the distance between the pins to limit the number of balls returned through the scratch limiting mechanism.

Rod 45 is provided with a projection 66 adapted upon rotation of rod 45, in the manner previously described, to engage a projection 61 associated with pawl 62 to move the same out of engagement with the teeth of star wheel 58, whereupon star wheel 58 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction as by means of a spiral tension spring 68.

Upon return of rod 45 to its normal position, a coil spring 69 returns pawl '62 to its position of engagement with the teeth of star wheel 58.

Having reference now to Figures 7 to 9 inclusive there is' disclosed a modified form of scratch ball return limiting mechanism. In the construction herein disclosed a portion of the table is generally indicated at 226 provided with an apparatus generally indicated at 224 comprising a portion of this inventive concept.

A trough 228 similar to trough 28 guides a ball into receptacle 229 until such time as it abuts a stop 236 and is held between guide members 231 similar to guides 3| and 32. The end and front walls of receptacle 229 are designated by the reference characters 234 and 235 respectively.

A transverse bar 23'! holds the glass top wall 236 in position to partially cover receptacle 229.

in operation to the mechanism previously described and shown in Figure 3 in the primary embodiment of this invention, is also provided to limit the number of scratched balls returned. Likewise, suitable coin controlled apparatus (not shown) may be provided to permit the release of played balls from compartment I6.

Having reference now to Figure 11, a still further modified form of the device is disclosed, wherein a false bottom 90 is provided with a plurality of guideways 9I, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 91, S8, and 99, adapted to direct a ball I into one of the sub-compartments of a suitable receptacle IN. The ball is dropped to the false bottom 90 and. strikes a vertically tiltable member I02 pivoted as at I03 and provided with exteriorly projecting handles I04. A suitable spring mechanism, not shown, normally inclines member I02 into the direction towards compartment IOI. Baflies I05, I06 and I01, are provided and pivoted as at I 08, I09 and H0 respectively, to permit a ball passing between guides 98 and 99 to be directed into any of the sub-compartments of receptacle IOI. Exte'riorly projecting handles, not shown, are provided for the control of these bafiies.

Upon rotation of either of handles I04, tiltable member I02 may be'inclined downwardly in a direction towards the opposite end of the table from compartment 101 in which case a ball is directed by guides III and H2 along an inclined surface to a suitable open aperture H3 at the opposite end of the table from compartment IOI, from which it may be recovered by a player. Suitable mechanism for limiting the number of scratched balls so returned may be, and preferably is provided as is a coin controlled mechanism, for permitting the replay of balls in container I 0|.

In the modification shown in Figure 12 an inclined surface I is provided, which for a major portion of its length inclines downwardly towards a receptacle I2I divided into suitable sub-compartments. Guideways I22, I23, I24 and I25 lead to these sub-compartments respectively. Positioned above each guideway is a slide member I25, I21, I28 and I29 respectively, each provided with oppositely disposed exteriorly protruding handles I30, I3I, I32 and I33 respectively.

Each of slide members I26 to I29 inclusive is 7 provided with a central solid closure portion I34, I35, I36 and I3! respectively, closing the passageway to all guide ways I22 to I25 inclusive. However, apertures, I39, I40, MI and I42 respectively, of a size to permit the passage of a ball are provided on opposite sides of each of solid portions I34 to I 31 inclusive. Thus it will be seen by moving either of handles I30, for example, in either direction, a ball is permitted to drop into trough I22 and be guided by gravity to the associated sub-compartment of receptacle I2I. Similarly, movement of handle I33 will guide a ball into trough I24 and hence its associated compartment.

The scratch return mechanism in this case is comprised of a similar slide I43 provided with exteriorly projecting handles I44, a central solid portion I45 and apertures I46. Movement of handles I44 permits the ball which enters the lower surface from a point substantially directly above slide I43 to drop into an additional trough I41 and be returned to the player through a suitable aperture I48 at the opposite end of table I20, it being noted that the table bottom on the right hand side of slide I43 inclines downwardly towards the right hand end of the table.

The operation of the above embodiment should be readily understood from the foregoing. Suitable scratch return limiting mechanism and coin controlled mechanism may also be provided.

It will now be seen that there are thus provided several modifications of this inventive con cept, achieving all the objects of this invention and others including many advantages of great practical utility.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore set forth and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that all such matter set forth or shown is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limited sense.

I claim as my invention:

1. A device of the character described for use with game apparatus employing balls, the device comprising a receptacle having therein a detaining pocket to initially receive the balls and also having compartments to which balls are distributable from said detaining pocket, a barrier means relatively low with respect to the height of the pocket and diameter of said balls to stop the passage of said balls to said receptacle but allowing space for the lifting of the balls thereover for passage to the receptacle and distribution to one of said compartments, said barrier means defining said pocket, said receptacle being closed to unauthorized removal of balls but at a part thereof being open to an extent enabling access to and manual gripping of the balls, and means for the discharge of balls from said compartments to the exterior of the receptacle.

2. A device of the character described for use with game apparatus employing balls, the device comprising a receptacle having therein a detaining pocket to initially receive the balls and also having compartments to which balls are distributable from said detaining pocket, a barrier means relatively loW with respect to the height of the pocket and diameter of said balls to stop the passage of said balls to said receptacle but allowing space for the lifting of the balls thereover for passage to the receptacle and distribution to one of said compartments, said barrier means defining said pocket, said receptacle being closed to unauthorized removal of balls but at a part thereof being open to an extent enabling access to and manual gripping of the balls, and 

